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Uzodimma Approves Appointment Of Ogbonna As Chairman, Imo State Sports Commission 

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The Source
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Prince Eleazar Onyewuchi Ogbonna

The Governor of Imo State,  Sen. Hope Uzodimma has approved the appointment of Sir Prince Eleazar Onyewuchi Ogbonna as the Chairman of Imo State Sports Commission.

Prince Ogbonna’s appointment is effective, November 9, 2022.

Prince Ogbonna, a well known sports  enthusiast is passionate about using sports for youth development.

As an ambassador of the South East Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) and patron of ex-footballers, Prince Ogbonna has on several occasion championed the course of using football to discover the hidden talents in many youths.

He is an unrepentant advocate of youths interested in pursuing career in football, learning from the experiences of the ex-footballers.

Governor Uzodimma has congratulated Prince Ogbonna on his appointment and urged him to bring to bear his wealth of experience in the Commission in line with government’s programmes in the Sports sector of Imo State.

Insecurity: Give Credible Information On Any Of These Terrorists, Get N5m – Defence HQs

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Wanted Terrorists

By Adesina Soyooye

The Defence Headquarters has given Nigerians an opportunity to make easy money. It will give out a whopping N95 million just for information.

Here’s how.

The  Military leadership has declared 19 Terrorists wanted. On each of them, it said it will give out the sum of N5m to anybody with information that could lead to an arrest.

This tempting offer by the Nigerian Military, in the face of terrible hardship, was contained in banners located at strategic places across the country.

And its message is simple.

Just give information that would lead to the arrest of any of them and pick N5m.

The message for the offer, which gave the names and States of origin, for clarity purposes, is written in both the English and Hausa languages. There are, also, dedicated phone numbers.

The 19 wanted terrorists are

Sani Dangote, Dogo Nahali, Ali Kachala, Mamudu Tainange, Bello Turji Gudda Isiya Kwashen Garwa, Baleri, Sani Gurgu, Alhaji Ado Aliero, Gwaska Dankarami, Nagona, Umaru Dan Nigeria,

Monore, Halilu Sububu, Abu Radde, Nagala, Leko, Nasanda and Dan Da.

Absolute confidentiality is guaranteed informants.

CNPP Urges NASS To Legalise Presidential, Governorship Debates

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The Source
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Chief Willy Ezugwu

On the heels of the controversy surrounding the ongoing presidential debates in Nigeria ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has called on the National Assembly (NASS) to take steps to enact a law to make participation in presidential and governorship debates mandatory part of Nigerian electoral process.

The CNPP in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, recalled that “in the history of election debates in the country, it is either that some candidates deliberately refused to attend the debates or they were excluded by the organisers based on their prejudices.”

According to the CNPP, “legalising the presidential and governorship debates will go a long way in helping the electorates to make informed decisions on the choice of the Chief Executive Officer of a state or the federal Republic of Nigeria or even the choice of a lawmaker to represent his or her constituency.”

The CNPP added that “In advanced democracies, like the United States where Nigeria borrowed her presidential system from, candidate debates are not constitutionally mandated but they are considered an intrinsic part of the American electoral process such that no serious contender in the United States presidential race can afford to stay away from any scheduled candidates’ debates.

“While Nigeria has been holding presidential and governorship debates, they have been everything but organised and mandatory for candidates to appear.

“In Nigeria, media organisations and nongovernmental bodies have attempted to set up platforms for presidential and governorship debates but participations remained at the discretion of the candidates or that of the organisers.

“So, over the years, organisers selected preferred candidates they considered to be top contenders and unjustly excluded the rest of the contestants, thereby failing to provide a level playing field for all candidates to participate.

“The CNPP believes that in order for election debates by candidates to achieve the intended purposes, there is need to make governorship and presidential debates mandatory for all candidates and their political parties to participate.

“Candidates debates should be consciously made a veritable platform for the general public to screen persons seeking to represent them at any level in government through elections and as an avenue to increase political participation in the country.

“The CNPP therefore calls on the National Assembly to immediately set up modalities for making it customary for the candidates to engage in a debate as part of Nigeria’s electioneering process, especially at the presidential and governorship levels in the first instance.

“This can be achieved by enacting a law for the establishment of a National Commission on Election Debates (CED), with a mandate to organise debates for candidates in Nigeria.

“The commission should be empowered to appropriately sanction candidates that fails to participate, including imposing severe penalties in form of fines, among others.

“If it takes Nigeria a constitution ammendment to achieve this, it will be a legacy achievement worth leaving by any administration as the overall gains of establishing such a Commission for the purposes of developing and deepening the Nigerian democracy cannot be quantified in monetary terms.

“Mandatory candidate debates will, therefore, serve as an enlightenment platform and an avenue for engagement of candidates, giving the electorates the opportunity to interface with their would-be leaders for proper assessment to determine their levels of preparedness for leadership, their commitment to good governance and their readiness to be held accountable by the electorates after winning elections”, the CNPP stated.

FEDPOLY Ado To Honour Ooni, Lagos Gov At Combined Convocation

By
Ayodele Oni
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Federal Poly Ado Ekiti

By Ayodele Oni

Some eminent Nigerians including former Lagos State Governor and Minister of Works, Babatunde Raji Fashola and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi are to be honoured with the Fellowship Awards of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, (FEDPOLY).

The Polytechnic’s Rector, Dr. Hephzibah Oladebeye, announced this during a pre- convocation press conference commemorating the 18th convocation and 45th anniversary of the polytechnic.

According to him, an aggregate of 279 out of the 13,677 graduates of the institution will bag distinction at its combined 18th convocation ceremonies slated for November 19,2022.

Oladebeye added that other dignitaries  that will receive  honours include; Mrs Modupe Babalola, the wife of a Legal Icon and university founder,  Chief Afe Babalola(SAN), two alumnus of the institution, Surv S.A. Fakologbon and Dr. Rotimi Ibidapo.

On honour bestowed on its former students the Rector stated that “Their recognition is to appreciate them for their contributions to national development and humanity.

“This will also be a source of encouragement to the graduands and students, for them to know that they too can aspire to whatever height they aim at.”

Giving the breakdown of the graduation list, the Rector, said the graduands include those who successfully completed their ordinary national diploma and higher diploma courses in periods spanning  2018/2019, 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 academic sessions.

Oladebeye, whose tenure will expire in four months time, said the institution now has a total of 15,000 OND and HND undergraduates, and 2,000 personnel, across academic and non academic strata that are contributing to the upliftment of the polytechnic.

The Rector explained that his administration has executed over 20 landmark projects to shore up the polytechnic’s physical infrastructures, besides ensuring regular training, retraining and development of staff and timely payment of some of their emoluments.

He was enthralled over the granting of approval to the institution by National Board for Technical Education( NBTE) and professional bodies, for the running of 14 new courses at the Diploma and Higher Diploma cadres, saying this will  bolster the institution’s ranking nationally and globally.

“With this NBTE’s accreditation, our polytechnic now has 36 departments running various courses. This confirms that we are developing fast and well positioned to offer qualitative education to Nigerians.”

He said the polytechnic is collaborating with the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, for the running of degree courses in 11 academic areas, while also having affiliation with the Federal University of Technology, Minna, for degree programmes in some certain specialties.

The Rector pointed out that the institution has established a radio station, Adopoly FM, to transmit news that will add value to the host community and the state, as well as generating employment and revenue for the citizens and the Polytechnic.

Oladebeye described funding as the major challenge constituting  clog in the wheel of progress, calling on spirited individuals to partner in building the Polytechnic, bearing in mind that government can’t solely fund any tertiary institution.

Kanu Refuses To Appear In Court, Justice Nyako Adjourns Case Indefinitely

By
The Source
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By Gideon Njoku

A Federal High Court in Abuja, was on Monday, November 14, told by the Counsel to the Department of State Services, DSS, Idowu Awo,  that the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, refused to appear in Court for the hearing of his case.

When the case was called up, the Counsel to the Federal Government, M.B. Abubakar told the  Honourable Justice Binta Nyako that the defendant was not in Court. He said he didn’t know why and that only Awo, the DSS Counsel, could explain why.

On the orders of the Honourable Court, Kanu has been in the custody of the DSS since he was forcefully brought back to Nigeria from Kenya in June 2021. But a Court of Appeal in Abuja had on October 13, declared the process through which Kanu was brought back illegal.

Explaining Kanu’s absence, Awo told the Court that the IPOB leader refused to appear in Court. He said:  “When I called the office, they said  the defendant declined to come to Court and all entreaties to make him come were unsuccessful.”

But, the defendant’s Counsel, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, expressed surprise, and said the defendant had always been willing to be in Court.

However, Nyako adjourned the case indefinitely pending the appeal filed by both the Government and the defendant at the Supreme Court.

The Federal Government had filed an appeal at the Supreme Court against the judgment of the Court of Appeal on October 13, which discharged and acquitted Kanu of all charges and asked that he be freed from custody and quashed any further prosecution of him.

However, the Federal Government went back to the Court and asked for a stay of execution which was granted. They also appealed to the Supreme Court against the judgment which discharged and acquitted Kanu of all offences.

Kanu’s Lawyers, led by Ozekhome have since filed a case, also, at the Supreme Court, for the immediate release of Kanu as ordered by the Court of Appeal.

It is because of the two pending cases at the Supreme Court that Nyako adjourned the case before her Court indefinitely.

2023: Kwakwanso Vows To Stop Govs N250bn Security votes

By
James Orji
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The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Rabiu Kwakwanso says state governors steal public funds in the name of security votes.

In 2004, a former governor of Oyo state Rashidi Ladoja was scolded by the late Lamidi Adedibu for not sharing the state’s security votes with him.

The governor was said to be receiving N10 million monthly security votes at the time, and the late strongman of Ibadan politics and enforcer had accused Governor Lajoja of refusing to give him ” a pint of water” from the security votes accruing to him.

For that reason, Adedibu ensured that Ladoja was not re-elected.

But Kwakwanso said he will abolish the votes if he becomes president.

An estimated N240 billion, according to the global body, Transparency International, TI is spent on the Votes annually.

The former Minister of Defense said he did receive the votes while he was governor, describing it as ‘stealing’.

He said, “For the eight years I was governor, I never took one naira for the issue of security vote. It’s not even there,” he said.

“I have inherited governments that were taking N10 million in a day, seven times. In fact, at a state, we had a record of 12 times because the governor can only approve N10 million. So, they would take N10 million, times whatever number they want.

“If the CP or director of SSS or anybody wants to do anything, we’ll listen to him. He should defend it. And once we are satisfied, anything above N10 million, I’ll take it to the council.

“The only thing that we did not publish for the eight years I was governor was the money given to the security agents, but we have the records.

“Security vote, in our own opinion, is a big way of stealing money. That is why I have never done it. And if I have the opportunity again, there will never be anything like security vote in the presidency.

“We have seen cases where a lot of money is being siphoned in the name of security vote and nobody can defend it. In my opinion, that should be stopped using whatever means, because it’s only a good way of taking cash from the treasury.” 

Atiku Will Resolve PDP Crisis Soon- Imoke

By
James Orji
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Imoke and Wike

Liyel Imoke, a former governor of Cross Rivers state has raised hope in the ability of the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar to resolve the protracted crisis in the party.

Ahead the 2023 election, the party is polarized by five governors of the party who have demanded that the National Chairman Iyorcha Ayu be dropped.

All the efforts to resolve the crisis have collapsed as the angry governors led by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state, insist on Ayu’s departure or nothing. The governors now known as G5 include Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, Samuel Ortom of Benue state, Ifeanyi Ugwainyi of Enugu state, and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state.

Except the crisis is resolved soon, those watching the party says it will not stand any chance in the presidential election against formidable ruling APC and Labour Party, LP whose candidate Peter Obi has been gaining popularity.

Speaking on the issue on Sunday at the inauguration of the state’s Presidential Campaign Council for the Atiku-Okowa ticket, Imoke, a former Minister of Power said the crisis will be resolved “as soon as possible”.

He also described Atiku as the best among the presidential candidates with the capacity to turn the country around as soon as he gets to power.

He said the Atiku will get to work immediately he’s sworn in to quickly get the country out of the woods, adding that Nigerians are already overwhelmed by the unfriendly policies of the current government.

According to the former governor, “To get out of the woods, we have to come up with the best and the best right now is Atiku Abubakar and Ifeanyi Okowa.

“It is important and critical that we get our people to understand the importance of doing the right thing in the coming elections because if we make another mistake it will be the end for Nigeria.”

Editors End Conference In Owerri, Score Uzodimma’s Administration High

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma - Imo Civil Servant Promotion

Editors in Nigeria on Saturday night rounded off their four-day conference in Owerri, the Imo State capital, with a verdict that Governor Hope Uzodimma has performed creditably barely three years in office.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors had chosen Imo State as host of the 18th All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) where the theme: 2023: Political Landscape,  Credible Election and the Role of Editors, was discussed.

The event was also an opportunity for the Editors to go round the host State to assess the projects carried out by the government of the day as well as induct deserving journalists and senior Editors into the elite body as members of the Guild and as Fellows of the Guild.

At a Gala Nite held at the Banquet Hall of the Imo State Government as part of the closing session of the 18th ANEC, not one member of the elite media group had something different to say about the developmental strides of Governor Uzodimma.

They were in agreement that Governor Uzodimma’s administration had aquitted itself in infrastructure renewal, particularly on road infrastructure, and should be supported by well meaning people to continue on the trajectory of working to change the governance narrative of Imo State.

From the assessment of President of the Guild, Mustapha Isah to Dupe Gbadebo to Imani Amarere, (all Fellows of the Guild) among other Editors and Fellows of the Association, Governor Uzodimma is quietly changing the hitherto infrastructural deficit associated with Imo State. 

Apart from the signature Owerri-Orlu, Owerri-Okigwe roads, the numerous newly reconstructed roads within the Owerri capital territory, the ongoing construction work on so many other inland roads, the Editors could also not hide their excitement over the completely rebuilt Imo State House of Assembly Complex. During their visit to the Complex, they moved a motion at the Chambers scoring Governor Uzodimma’s government as above average.

They however proferred suggestions to government on areas of improvement in the interest of the people.

Besides, the Editors lauded Governor Uzodimma for his efforts in containing what seemed to be intractable security challenge, noting that from what they have seen the situation is not as critical today as it was painted before now.

The Editors also thanked the Governor for taking time to avail them of his journey to Imo State government house so far, indicating that they are now properly guided on what the political situation in the State presents.

In his closing remarks at the Gala Nite, Governor Uzodimma advised the Editors to always verify and do thorough investigation before going public.

The Governor said that he was not oblivious of the fact that the pen is mighter than the sword, but appealled that before they use the pen on him and any other person practitioners should make extra effort to verify the source of their story before going to the press.

The Governor thanked the editors for the honour done him by chosing Imo State for the Conference as well as for the positive testimonies they gave on their return from projects tour of the State.

He said that democracy remains the best form of government, but added that “democracy cannot thrive without the media.”

Governor  Uzodimma said he wonders why after 20 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria, the media still find it expedient to describe our democracy as nacent.

He said there was the urgent need to interrogate issues properly and find out why our reasoning as Nigerians in most cases has been misapplied.

Governor  Uzodimma said that in other climes the media always partner with government for the good of the people, and in such partnership there’s reciprocity, and challenged the Editors to think about prioritizing national interest in the course of their duty.

The Governor regretted  that the work environment of the media in Nigeria poses its own challenges  to effective practice, noting that most hit are those working for private media houses who, more often than not, are compelled to act against their wish.

Regardless of the harsh conditions under which most journalists work in Nigeria, he pleaded with them to take courage “as it may not be rossy but there is Hope and light at the end  of the tunnel.”

To the Editors, the Governor called on them to take more time to “collaborate with those in authority to think of how to correct the ills in the society.”

His words: “It is not enough to blame the man on the seat of power rather, all should come together and interrogate the issues that are holding back the progress, peace and development of the Nation.”

The Governor advised the Editors to always see him as a willing and ready partner, informing them that based on his family back ground, he is “one of the best and brightest.”

Earlier, the President of Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mr Mustapha Isah, had thanked the Governor for accepting to host the Conference and providing them with “the overall enabling environment” they required to succeed. 

The highpoint of the Gala Nite was the induction of new members into the Guild and older members as Fellows of body.

Isah thereafter presented an award to Governor Uzodimma for excellent host of the 18th ANEC in Imo State.

The dinner was attended by the wife of the Governor,  Barr Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma, the Deputy Governor, Prof Placid Njoku, the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Anthony Emeka Nduka, members of the State Exco and other invited guests.

Being Trustworthy, My Most Important Asset – Obi

By
The Source
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Peter Obi

In continuation of his issue driven campaigns,  the Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi at the weekend said that of all the qualities he possess heading to the February 25th Presidential poll, being trustworthy is the important of all. The fact that Nigerians can trust me is my most cherished asset.

In a series of tweets ostensibly to warn Nigerians against settling for less or repeating the mistakes of past, the LP Candidate said “We can no longer gamble with our fate and future. I’m running for President because, I am qualified, I have the capacity, credibility, commitment, stamina, governance experience, and track record. More importantly, Nigerians can trust me”

Obi noted that Nigeria that is working today is for a small minority of people “There is Nigeria; But there are no Nigerians. Currently, Nigeria works for a small minority of people; Nigeria must work for ALL Nigerians. Nigerians must be able to dwell securely and in safety wherever they live. This is the first duty of government.”

The former Anambra state Governor said that the desire of Nigerians to take back their country is total and unanimous because everybody wishes for a better life.  “The desire to take Nigeria back is nearly unanimous. We may be used to the old order; but we cannot vote for continuity of corruption, recklessness, impunity and poverty. Deprivation is not habit forming. Nigerians desire a better life.”

Obi explained the damage successive bad leadership has done to the psyche of Nigerians and declared that “Nigeria is badly in need of a reformative leadership. Bad leadership has hurt us deeply, damaged our psyche and diminished our potentials and dreams. “

Leave Uzodimma Alone To Do His Good Works, Bishop Amatu Tells Detractors

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma and Most Rev Solomon Amatu

The Catholic Bishop of Okigwe Diocese, Most Rev. (Dr.) Solomon Amatu has cautioned those distracting Governor Hope Uzodimma from the good works he is doing in Imo State to desist forthwith or they may be currying the wrath of God.

Delivering his homily on Sunday at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Umuehie, Anara, Isiala Mbano area of Okigwe zone, during a Confirmation ceremony for new communicants, Bishop Amatu who recognised that Governor Uzodimma’s emergence has all the trappings of divine mandate, noted that nobody can successfully fight God.

Bishop Amatu whose sermon touched on service to God and humanity commended the Governor on his giant development strides in the State, mostly people-oriented, especially on road infrastructure which he said have made “movement very easy and swift in the State.”

He called on those unleashing terror and mayhem on the State, thereby distracting and destabilising the Governor and his government, to sheathe their sword or they may be fighting God. He said “nobody can successfully fight God or His servants.”

His words: “Allow Governor Uzodimma continue with the good works he is doing for Imo State.”

The Bishop conveyed the appreciation of the Catholic community in Okigwe Diocese over the reconstructed Owerri-Okigwe road, particularly the first phase of the 56 kilometer expressway already commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari, saying it has made life more meaningful for the rural dwellers.

The Bishop also lauded Governor Uzodimma for remaining focused and calm in the face of blackmail and propaganda deployed by his detractors and political opponents to troll him on the social media in particular.

He regretted that in today’s Nigeria most activities that are supposed to be illegal are getting government’s recognition and also legalized while the people keep mute.

Earlier, Bishop Amatu examined the new Communicants – young boys and girls – and found them worthy of admission and prayed God for the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit as their guide in their new spiritual life.

In his remarks at the end of the Service, Governor Uzodimma told the congregation that the Owerri-Okigwe road has been fully paid for and will be completed before the end of January.

The Governor said that God does not make mistake in His choice of leaders and reiterated that he has come to serve Imo people sincerely  and with the fear of God.

He regretted that our people have suffered a lot due to the activities of leaders who do not have  the fear of God in them and so, care little about the welfare of the people.

“I cannot be a Governor and watch our people suffer,” he said even as he maintained that no government can succeed without the Church.

Governor Uzodimma however challenged the people to change their attitude  and and mindset, “support the good works and programmes of government designed to better the lot of the people.”

The Governor seized the opportunity to apologise to the Diocese over what the people went through in the past 14 months as a result of insecurity in the State and assured that Government is on top of the matter now.

He explained that the cases of kidnappings being experienced today are traced to the nefarious activities of condemned criminals who were forcefully released when the Owerri Correction Centre was bombed and over 1840 prison mates escaped.

He urged the people to feel free and go about their businesses as government is prepared to protect them and thanked the Bishop for the homily and his numerous successes in the Diocese.

The congregation could not control their excitement when Governor  Uzodimma announced  that he will complete the on-going Holy Rosary Umuehie Parish Church building which he assured them would be dedicated on Easter Sunday  2023.

Bishop Amatu and the entire clergy thanked and appreciated the Governor for taking away the burden off the shoulder of the people.

Governor Uzodimma eventually performed the symbolic foundation laying ceremony of the new Church building which was supervised by Bishop  Amatu, the clergy and top government officials.

The Governor was accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Prof Placid Njoku and the wife Bola, the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Anthony Emeka Nduka and the wife, the Secretary to Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr COC Akaolisa and other members of the State Expanded Executive Council.

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